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Selecting the right racquet

Selecting the right racquet

27 May 2016mika

Baliboa series

Selecting the right racquet

Sensitive to the notion of price, we have tried to create a variety of racquets in different price ranges. Selecting the right racquet we try to reduce costs and margin when possible, without sacrificing quality and without succumbing to the diktats of “low cost” at whatever cost. This is why we offer a range of 3 kinds of racquets that while they adhere to our to our standards for quality and playability also offer a line of products for a variety of budget sizes, tastes, playing skills and frequency of use.

Corkintens® for life

Our exclusive and patented process Corkintens® is a composite that has been developed and tested by our passionate and demanding team. The crossed fiber cork heart allows for an optimally responsive racquet, responding well to impact without reverberations and allowing for intensive play. The cork offers malleability, flexibility and lightness, the beech wood hardness and structure.

CORKINTENS® exists in several combinations: cork/beech/beech, for a precise and subtle game or cork/flax/beech for a more relaxed game that is nonetheless precise. Special attention has been given to the various processes (glue and finish) to optimize its performance (weight and power) as well as its esthetic qualities.

The process is unique, rigorously developed by us, with a finish that is exceptionally resistant. Our racquets effectively combine efficiency and esthetics; they are a high-quality sports equipment to cherish like a work of art. A loyal game partner who will accompany you on your many getaways and bring out your singularities and your strengths.

The “Nude”

The “Nude” is our entry-level racquet. Made with our exclusive composite Corkintens®, this is a 5-layer cross grain racquet with a 10 mm cork heart, 2 layers of 20/10 French beech wood and 2 layers of 6/10 ash wood for a total of 13 mm and 294 grams. The cork offers malleability, flexibility and lightness; the beech wood has a structuring role and offers stiffness. The ash wood offers adaptability and endurance.

The “Nude” racquet is left natural, marked manually and varnished with bio-epoxy for a marine grade finish. This is the perfect racquet for your requests for customization.

The “Hero”

This is the racquet for players looking for a more competitive racquet. More head-heavy, those who like to rally over long distances and hit harder will appreciate this one. Made with our exclusive composite Corkintens®, this is a 5-layer cross-grain racquet with a 10 mm cork heart and 4 layers of cross-laminated 9/10 French beech wood for a profile of 15 mm and a weight of 336 grams. The cork offers malleability, flexibility and lightness; the beech wood has a structuring role, is highly reactive, resistant, and provides stiffness and superior strength.

Available in several colors, the “Hero” is digitally printed using UV resistant ink and varnished with bio-epoxy for a marine grade finish. The design changes each season.

The « Monster»

The “Monster” series are our favorite. For the player who is looking for a unique yet playable racquet, this is our “collector” line. Made with our exclusive composite Corkintens®, this is a 5-layer cross grain racquet with a 10 mm cork heart and 2 layers of 6/10 precious wood for a profile of 14 mm and 306 grams. The precious woods we use give the racquets an incomparable beauty, a graphic yet natural finish. The “Monster” racquets are unique pieces, each one varying from the other – real gems existing only in limited editions.

The wood we use varies and depends on the variety of wood that we find at our specialized suppliers (marquetry craftsmen, cabinet makers, instrument makers and other wood craftsmen). Baliboa™ is dedicated to promoting their traditional know-how, to mixing it with ours and to make it part of everyday contemporary life. Wood varieties we use (some of which are nearly 100 years old):

Walnut

Chestnut

Olive

Plane

Sycomore

Sapelli

Maple

Ash

Elm

Mahogany

Rosewood

Koto

Ipe

Aniegre

Iroko

A rare and exclusive product, the “Monster” is digitally marked with our logo using anti-UV ink and varnished with three layers of bio-epoxy for a marine grade finish. It is a high-end racquet that asks to be cherished and cared for.

Grip, handle and hand strap

Each of our racquets are equipped with a flax-colored, double braided and nonirritating adjustable hand strap so that you don’t lose your racquet while playing. It has a cork grip for maximum comfort with a finish that is unique to us and recognizable amongst thousands. No need for superfluous grips or gloves, cork is naturally antifungal and slip-resistant so it does it all with tact and simplicity. Cork boasts a great advantage over other materials.

Service and Guarantee

Whether you’re buying just one racquet or you’re looking to personalize racquets for your company, sports club or hotel, the Baliboa™ atelier is equipped to respond to your special requests. Should there be a need or simply a desire to modify or repair your racquet, we also have a workshop specialized in this area.

Like all marine sports equipment, if in contact with seawater, please rinse the Baliboa™ racquet in clear water after use.